Spending the holidays in a palace is a most magical way to enjoy the festive season this year, and Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul boasts an impressive set of holiday programs and décor for guests to disconnect from the world and get lost in the enchanted winter wonderland.

Ciragan Palace Kempsinki, the only Imperial Palace and hotel on the Bosphorus where Sultans once lived; and has always stood out to visitors as one of the most unique and lavish hotels in Istanbul. It has also become a standout property in 2020 for its advanced COVID-19 health and safety procedures, designed through the brand’s White Glove Services program.

As an added bonus, this year also marks the first time that Ciragan Palace Kempinski has earned a Five-Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide. The Holidays certainly feel a lot different this year, so even if you are not traveling this Holiday season, we hope this inspires your travel planning for 2021…

Ciragan Palace Kempinski | Holiday Dining

Ring in the New Year in one of the best seats in town – Ciragan enjoys stunning views of fireworks that alight from the nearby the Bosphorus Bridge, which connects the two continents of Europe and Asia. Not only will the 5-star property be offering a special New Year’s Eve Beverage Menu, served high-tea style, at Le Fumoir Bar ($72 USD per person), New Year’s Day Brunch at Laledan Restaurant ($104 USD per person) and New Year’s Day Gala Dinner at Tuğra Restaurant, Ciragan will also be offering an in-suite option for hotel guests who would like to keep their celebrations private.

Hotel guests can take advantage of the property’s rich and extensive in-room celebration package ($437 USD + tax), which includes: a bottle of Champagne, assorted chocolates and exclusive Ciragan Ruby chocolate box, holiday-themed cookies, fruit basket, nut selection, as well as a personal Turkish delight and food stand. Ciragan is also offering special rates for the holiday season in its Park Side King ($1145 USD + tax) or Superior Bosphorus View ($1258 USD + tax) rooms.

Have a sweet tooth? Not to worry, the on-property pâtissiers prepare signature desserts that can be enjoyed on-site or taken home as the perfect gift for a loved one. You will want for nothing while a guest at Ciragan Palace Kempinski.

Ciragan Palace Kempinski | Hotel Holiday Decor

While its unique location facing the Asian continent and overlooking the ancient city is known for being a sight to see all-year round, the property has an especially magical feel during the holidays. From its annual life-size Gingerbread house, Chocolate Palace and Chocolate Train handmade by Pastry Chefs, and festive brunch and high tea offered throughout the month of December, Ciragan Palace Kempinski’s holiday décor fully accomplishes the picturesque atmosphere of the festive season.

Each year, the property’s larger than life Gingerbread house display is assembled by four pastry chefs and two steward staff and takes 12 hours to construct the impressive edible structure that stands at 12 feet tall and 13 feet wide. Featuring its own crystal chandelier and other festive decorations, the house is complemented by a Chocolate Palace made from more than 121 pounds of rich, Belgian chocolate. Decorated with festive embellishments and cookies, this palace is a replica of Ciragan Palace Kempinski itself.

Rounding out the property’s edible sculptures that sweeten up the property for the holiday season, the man-made Chocolate Train draws inspiration from the Swiss Alps’ Bernina Express and is an impressive and immaculate mold made from 77 pounds of mouthwatering Belgian chocolate.

Ciragan Palace Kempinski | More reasons to visit at the Holidays…

Stunning Architecture: Originally built in the 1800s, the palace’s building has been fully restored by the Kempinski group and is a grand property, ordained with baroque stone architecture on the outside and lush furnishings of wood panels, ivory and ceramic upholstery on the inside.

Sleep like Royalty: The premiere suite on-site, the Sultan’s Suite, is entered through towering, ornate doors. Upon entrance, guests will find the living room with Ottoman motifs, antique accessories dating back to the palace’s erection, and chandeliers. The walls and floors are designed with elegant Turkish motifs, with two marble tubs recreating the traditional Turkish hammam experience.

Festive adornments: Throughout the palace, the holidays are in full bloom. The lobby and communal areas are tastefully decorated with elegant yet understated festive lights and trees, while the property’s expansive outdoor terrace offers stunning views of the Asian side across the Bosphorus for guests to enjoy. Space heaters and additional pine plants ordain the gardens with the season’s atmosphere of coziness and homeliness.

Clean and Safe: Ciragan Palace has always been a pioneer in health and hygiene, and the property offers a cleansing wellness therapy via an on-property Soap Butler Service where 100% pure olive oil handmade soap available in 12 different scents is sliced and packaged for palace guests to use and take home with them. The property also recently introduced a new ‘White Glove Services’ program, which enhances the brand’s 123 years of luxury hospitality expertise and adds a level of security for travelers looking to embark on international adventure.

Learn More: www.kempinski.com/en/istanbul/ciragan-palace